Auto body repair schools could be a stepping stone to a lucrative career, particularly if a student has the talent for prize-winning car restoration projects and further develops this knack through further schooling. After proper training, a certification can be obtained from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Four ASE exams are conducted two times every year, any of which a person can take to become a certified professional body repair technician. After passing the test, ASE exams have to be taken every five years to maintain certification.

Anybody who has enough on-the-job garage experience in car body repair can possibly pass the ASE test. However, formal schooling could make the certification easier to achieve.

Employers would also generally prefer to hire workers who have finished formal car repair training programs that are also offered by high schools and community colleges, in addition to those specifically developed by vocational and trade schools.

At these auto body repair schools, the students will have to read diagrams and follow directions. They will be taught how to make accurate measurements and install car body parts complementary to each other. Hence, basic skills in reading and mathematics, as well as some computer knowledge, would be essential in studying in auto body repair schools.

The students should also be particularly handy with tools as they will be taught how to take down damaged car parts. The students will learn how to reinstall the materials to replace the damaged parts, as well as repair and/or install the window glass, windshields/cost estimate for windshield replacement and other glass parts of a car. They will need to develop the correct methods of fixing dents, sanding and any realigning needed to restore a car’s body to its original condition.

Prospective employers of those who finished auto body repair courses include garages or shops specializing in car repair and maintenance. Auto dealerships are other possible employers. With these employers, an auto body repair technician can earn anywhere between $11 and $20 an hour. Further skills development is another benefit that could be derived from employment.

Most employers often allow their workers to take supplementary training programs offered by car manufacturers. These programs occasionally become available because of the continuing advancements in car technology. The automobile manufacturers likewise often send instructors to auto body repair schools to help update students on current car technology which makes learning in the field a continuing process.